Variety of geranium named ‘Pendec’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of  geranium  having flowers with a pinkish-white color above medium green foliage and a yellow stem. It provides superb cuttings and performs well in a hanging basket. The blooms hold up well when exposed to direct sunlight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This discovery relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Pelargonium×peltatum known by the varietal name of ‘Pendec.’ The seedling from the present variety is a spontaneous mutation of ‘Pendresd’ (patent pending). The new variety was discovered in France on Jun. 22, 1996. The new variety was first asexually reproduced by cuttings at Elsner pac Jungpflanzen in Dresden, Germany on Oct. 15, 1996. It has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive propagations.

The new cultivar has similar flower color and form to ‘Pendresd’ but is a shorter internode length and has yellower stems than ‘Pendresd.’

The cultivar, when grown in a glass greenhouse at high humidity using natural light and 18° C. night and 20° C. day, has a response time of ten weeks from a rooted cutting to flowering in a 10 cm pot. The response time was determined on plants grown in peat substrates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying photographic drawing illustrates the new variety, with the color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed descriptions set forth the characteristics of the new variety. The data which define these characteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out at Elsner pac Jungpflanzen, Kipsdorfer Strasse 146, D-01279, Dresden, Germany. The color readings were taken in natural light. Color references are primarily to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart.

THE PLANT

-   Classification:     -   -   Botanical.—Pelargonium×pelatatum.         -   Varietal.—Ivy- geranium named ‘Pendec’.         -   Commercial.—Ivy- geranium named ‘Ville de Dresden, Deror’. -   Form: Cascading mound. -   Height: Up to 70-80 cm. -   Growth: Hanging, very high degree of branching. -   Strength: No artificial support required. -   Foliage: Alternate leaf attachment. -   Rooting time: 3.5-4 weeks. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Length: 5.5 cm. Width: 4-5 cm.         -   Shape.—Ivy-shaped.         -   Margin.—Pedately lobed with serrations.         -   Color.—Top surface: Green Group 137A. Bottom surface: Green             Group 138A. Zone: Green Group 139A.         -   Ribs and veins.—Venation: Palmate. Color: Green Group 144A             on lower surface. -   Petioles:     -   -   Length.—Up to 2 cm.         -   Color.—Yellow-green Group 145C. -   Stem:     -   -   Color.—Yellow Group 150C.         -   Internode length.—2-4 cm.

THE BUD

-   Cluster:     -   -   Shape.—Nearly in one line.         -   Size.—Approximately 2.5 cm diameter.         -   Number of buds per cluster.—Approximately seven.         -   Individual buds (when showing five leaf pairs).—Shape:             Elongated. Size: 3 mm wide, up to 1 cm long.

INFLORESCENCE

-   Blooming habit: Windmill-shaped. -   Borne: Umbel, florets on pedicel, pedicel on peduncle. -   Size of umbel: 7-9 cm in diameter. -   Open florets:     -   -   Form.—Single, free spaces between petals, approximately             seven florets per umbel.         -   Size.—3 cm wide, 4.5 cm high, 2 cm deep.         -   Petals.—Color: Top surface: Red Group 56D. Bottom surface:             White Group 155D. Shape: Spoon-shaped. Size: Upper: 1.5 cm             wide, 27 cm long. Lower: 1.1 cm wide, 2.2 cm long. Texture             and appearance: Smooth. -   Tonality from a distance: White pearls over green foliage. -   Petaloids: None. -   Pedicel:     -   -   Length.—2.5-3 cm.         -   Color.—Yellow Group 145C and Red Group 60B. -   Peduncle:     -   -   Length.—4-6 cm.         -   Color.—Yellow-green Group 145C. -   Disease and pest resistance: No unusual susceptibility and to     disease or pests seen to date. -   Lasting quality: Flowers hold 8-10 days, depending on weather     conditions; resistant in rain.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

-   Stamens:     -   -   Anthers.—Up to 3 mm long.         -   Filaments.—Length: Up to 5 mm. Color: Yellow Group 11D.         -   Pollen.—Bright yellow. -   Pistils:     -   -   Number.—1;5 parted.         -   Length.—1-1.2 cm.         -   Stigma.—Number: 1;5 parted. Color: Red-purple Group 59D.         -   Style.—Color: White. Length: 5 mm.         -   Ovaries.—Color: Green Group 141C. Size: 5 mm long; 2 mm             wide. Pubescense: Some present. -   Fruit: None observed.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

The new geranium variety provides a flower color similar to its parent, ‘Pendresd,’ with a shorter internode length and a different color stem (yellow) using minimal fertilization. It is rich flowering, well-branched, hangs well, and has a stable flower color under intense sunlight. These properties provide an impressive appearance from a distance. Cutting production and wind resistance are excellent. 

1. A new and distinct variety of geranium plant named ‘Pendec’ as described and illustrated herein. 